Intuition and Will
Diagnosed
In 2006, no one could have convinced me to go to Mexico for alternative cancer treatment. I would've thought they were crazy. When people reach out about my survival story, they often share feeling overwhelmed when deciding on cancer treatment. They spend hours researching, pulled to their computers each day in search of answers. When I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer ER & PR Positive and HER2 Negative, I probably would've gone through chemotherapy. It was the expected path by my oncologist, family, and friends, anything else would have been seen as foolish. However, fate spared me from chemo due to a severe staph infection after my bilateral mastectomy at the University of Washington. For about three months, I was on intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotic Augmentin..
Recurrence of Stage IV Breast Cancer
In 2010, I faced a challenging health journey with metastasis to multiple areas of my body. Despite undergoing radiation treatment, I was unable to complete the full course due to a serious infection. Chemotherapy was not an option for me, and I felt uncertain about the way forward. Survival was my primary focus, and I harbored fears about the potential side effects of chemotherapy, as anyone would. However, during my stage 4 phase, I discovered a beacon of hope at CMN Hospital in San Luis, Mexico. Just a few blocks away from the Arizona border, this remarkable institution healed me completely without resorting to toxic therapies. The success of this alternative approach was confirmed by a follow-up PET scan in October 2011. Dr. Payan's advanced and holistic methods truly inspired me and gave me a renewed sense of optimism.
I experienced five years of overwhelming fear from 2006 to 2011.In my pursuit to overcome cancer, I underwent various treatments available in the United States. Unfortunately, none of them brought healing, but instead exposed me to a higher risk of infection due to surgeries and radiation. It felt like the expected path, the familiar journey that everyone around me knew I had to endure.
My daughter and a few close friends anticipated my need for chemotherapy and were ready to show their support by shaving their heads in solidarity with my anticipated hair loss. In a compassionate yet honest manner, I wanted to convey, "No, please don't shave your heads! Keep your beautiful locks intact." If they had gone ahead with it, it would have been in vain, and I would have felt a sense of guilt.
A Perfect Example of How Things Can Go Wrong
I would have never guessed surgery and radiation would cause such complications but when you have a weak immune system, as I did. I don’t even want to think about what would’ve happened if I did do chemotherapy. I probably would have been one of the unlucky ones who would not have fared well. I’m always emphasizing how unique each of us is.
If you are diagnosed with cancer and are reluctant about doing chemotherapy, that is understandable and is a good enough reason to pause and research healthier options. Your intuition is continually trying to guide you in life. Please don't ignore it. Let’s face it, your life depends on your decisions, and whatever we choose for treatment, that decision is on us, even if we hate the choice we felt we needed to make. We still are not being forced.
Trust Your Inner Guidance
Even though I am 9 1/2 years free of disease, I still remember those fated words from my oncologist in September 2010, sitting in his office when he told me that I had only 3-12 months to live. He said there was nothing else he could do for me. He is right if a doctor says he cannot do anything else for you."He really can't." I realized through my journey that it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for many of us who still have that fighting spirit. Our mind is a powerful thing, and with faith and hope, it is still possible to heal our bodies.
Other options must be explored, and someone else may help you. I was one not to give up. If you are like me, you will understand how loved ones might think you are in denial when you devise a new plan like I did. Whatever your intuition is telling you at this point, trust it. Listen closely to what your soul is trying to say to you.
Many Cannot Use Chemo
For some, chemotherapy is ineffective or simply not an option. We are many—healthy and free of disease—who were told by our oncologists that nothing more could be done. While there are no guarantees, we can still try. Don’t give up, and don’t let others discourage you from following your intuition. They love you and worry you’re chasing an impossible dream, fearing you'll waste time and money on something unconventional that insurance won’t cover.
Remember, though, this is not their fight. Whether or not you have their full support, you’ll need thick skin to handle the doubts and negative words. You’re fighting to survive, and that fire burns strong in our souls. They may fear your hopes will be dashed, or that time and money will be wasted if your body doesn’t respond to treatment. They also worry you might be taken advantage of when you’re in such a vulnerable state.
Fear can be paralyzing, causing anxiety, anger, and skepticism. Family and friends need to understand you’re trying to survive, and their love and support are crucial. If they can’t stand with you, you must move forward, trusting your instincts. You are fighting for your life.
The success of a treatment—whether conventional or alternative—remains unknown until you walk that path. As a cancer survivor, I can tell you this: my journey began in 2006 and lasted five years until I became cancer-free. No cancer facility guarantees 100% success, whether conventional or alternative. We just need to look around to see that reality.
The Blame Game Trap
Please don't blame your doctors, the clinics, or yourself. You might choose to follow the same path I did, or you may find inspiration from other survivors and choose a different route. Trust your instincts and know that you have your own valid reasons.
With love and unwavering belief, I want to remind you that you are an individual with tough decisions to make. Embrace every choice you make along the way. How many times have we arrived at crossroads, uncertain of which path to take? We can never see what lies at the end of any chosen path. The painful truth is that there is no guarantee or assurance of the outcome. If you find yourself on a path that didn't turn out as expected, practice self-compassion. Don't be too hard on yourself, and don't let others criticize you. It's crucial not to let fear transform into hate or resentment towards clinics, hospitals, doctors, or other survivors who had different experiences.
Remember, you are unique, and your needs may differ significantly. Keep pushing forward, as there are numerous treatment options available. Stay focused and remain determined. We must be resilient and stay on course. You Are The Decision-maker. Gather insights from various cancer treatment facilities, and trust your judgment when making decisions. You have the power to choose what path feels right for you. Remember, no one can impose treatments upon you. If something doesn't sit well, you can step away anytime.
In the United States, when facing a cancer diagnosis, the standard of care typically involves options such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It's important to understand that oncologists adhere to these conventional treatments to fulfill their professional obligations and maintain their licenses. It doesn't mean they are inadequate doctors; they are simply following the established protocols for cancer care. Consequently, it shouldn't come as a surprise if your oncologist isn't supportive of alternative approaches you may consider.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a tumultuous experience that brings forth a deluge of difficult decisions. Life takes an irrevocable turn, and it becomes challenging to see a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainties. The nature of cancer itself is unpredictable, making it even more imperative to rely on conventional treatments at our disposal. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these treatments often come with undesirable side effects.
A Fighting Spirit And A Positive Attitude
A fighting spirit and a positive attitude are crucial in overcoming life's battles. It's not an easy journey, often resembling a rollercoaster ride. After conversing with numerous survivors throughout the past decade, I've witnessed the significant impact a positive mindset has on healing. However, let's acknowledge that at times, we may experience anger, resentment, and panic. Personally, I consider myself a resilient fighter, fueled by the genuine fear of mortality, and I've gathered courage along the way. These emotions interweave constantly, but remember, there is always hope.
I still face challenges with fear, but I've discovered that cultivating a daily gratitude practice helps me recognize the blessings around me. If someone's positive response bothers you, finding ways to cope and understanding that people can either inspire or affect you is crucial. Stay resilient and don't let it bring you down. Remember, people care about you and may respond differently based on their own experiences. I know it's not easy. I battled cancer twice, I understand. I was at my sickest at those times. But the bottom line was, no one could win this for me. I was the decision-maker.
We are all worthy of a healing miracle. Remember, our intuition is a gift from God, and innately, we have many answers that can guide us in the right direction. Stay tuned in.
Your soul is guiding you.
All my love,
Sincerely
~ Shannon Knight
